Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when trying to secure funding for essential mobility aids. Fortunately, there is help available to make the process less cumbersome. Whether you’re new to the NDIS or seeking to update your plan, understanding the process and requirements can help you make the most of the scheme. In this post, we’ll look at some of the key stages in organising funding for mobility aids, ensuring you or your loved ones have the support needed to lead a more independent life.
Understanding NDIS and Eligibility
The NDIS provides support to Australians with a permanent and significant disability. This includes funding for a wide range of supports and services, including mobility aids, which can greatly enhance independence and quality of life for NDIS participants. You must first be eligible for the NDIS to utilize the scheme as a participant.
Eligibility criteria may include:
- Being aged under 65 years old.
- Being an Australian citizen, Permanent Visa holder, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Living in Australia
- Having a disability that affects your ability to participate in daily activities – read some more detailed information here regarding meeting the disability requirements.
For more detailed information on eligibility, visit the NDIS website.
The Planning Process: What to Expect
If you’re approved as a participant, the next step is to develop your NDIS plan. This plan outlines the supports and services you need, including mobility aids if appropriate.
Key steps may include:
- Assessment: An NDIS planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) will work with you to assess your needs. This may be in conjunction with healthcare providers. This assessment will help determine what/if any mobility aids are essential for your daily activities.
- Goal Setting: Your NDIS plan is goal-oriented. You will look to clearly outline how mobility aids will help you achieve your goals, whether it’s moving around your home, accessing the community, or improving your overall quality of life.
When your NDIS plan has been approved, you will need to understand the different budgets and which providers can help you start using your plan. There is also a variety of ways to manage your plan including NDIA-managed, plan-managed and self-managed options – we go into some more detail below.
Support Budgets and Managing Your Mobility Aid Funding
Once approved, your NDIS plan will include funding for your mobility aid(s), if appropriate. The funding you may receive falls into 3 different support budget types – you may get funding for all or some of these budget types:
- Core Supports budget
- Capacity Building Supports budget
- Capital Supports budget
Your mobility aids – which could be considered ‘Assistive Technology’ may be funded via your Core Supports budget under the Consumables section of your plan, or your Capital Supports Budget under the Assistive Technology section of your plan.
It’s important to understand how to manage these funds and budget types effectively. Depending on your plan management type, you may have different options:
- NDIA-managed: The NDIS directly pays providers for the supports you purchase.
- Plan-managed: A Plan Manager can help you manage your NDIS funds and pay providers on your behalf.
- Self-managed: You control and manage the funding and payments for your supports.
For more details on managing your funding, visit the NDIS funding management page and for more information on your support budgets, visit the Supports budgets in your plan page.
To learn more about the planning process and what further steps might be involved for you, check out the NDIS planning page.
Choosing the Right Mobility Aid
Choosing the right mobility aid is crucial to ensuring your needs are met. There are a wide variety of aids available and working with the correct partners including healthcare providers, will ensure the correct mobility aid is selected. Mobility aids might include:
- Walking aids: Canes (also known as walking sticks), walkers, and rollators.
- Wheelchairs: Both manual and powered options.
- Scooters: For enhanced mobility outside the home.
When considering an aid, review factors such as ease of use, portability, and how it will fit into your daily life. It’s also essential to work with an experienced provider like Safety and Mobility who can guide you or your healthcare team through the selection process. Safety and Mobility always recommend consulting your healthcare professional prior to purchasing any equipment.
Tips for success:
- Ensure all required documentation, including quotes and assessments, is complete and accurate.
- Be clear about how the mobility aid will support your goals and improve your independence.
- Follow up with your NDIS planner or LAC if you have any questions or need further assistance.
Conclusion
Securing NDIS funding for mobility aids can greatly improve your quality of life by increasing your independence and participation in daily activities. By understanding the NDIS process, setting clear goals, and working with the right providers, you can ensure that you get the most out of your plan.
If you need assistance in selecting the right mobility aid or have questions about the NDIS process, feel free to contact us at Safety and Mobility. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
For more information on the NDIS, visit their official website.
Photo by Artem Podrez: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-using-a-laptop-7495753/